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B83 Thermonuclear Bomb

B83 Thermonuclear Bomb

Manufacturer: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Category: Bombs & Aerial Munitions
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Warhead Type Thermonuclear
Delivery Platforms Strategic Bombers
Guidance Unguided Gravity Bomb
Operational Role Strategic deterrence, hardened-target strike

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	B83
Type	Nuclear Gravity Bomb
Manufacturer	Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Country of Origin	United States
Year Introduced	Early 1980s
Operational Status	Limited service / Strategic reserve

2. Physical Characteristics

Weight	~2,400 lb
Length	~12 ft
Diameter	~18 in
Casing Type	Steel/Alloy

3. Performance

Yield	Up to ~1.2 megatons (public estimates)
Guidance	None (unguided)
Accuracy (CEP)	Aircraft-delivered
Delivery Platforms	B-2A Spirit (current), B-52H (historical)
Penetration Capability	Laydown delivery capability

4. Warhead / Explosive Details

Warhead Type	Thermonuclear
Fuzing Options	Airburst, contact, laydown
Explosive Composition	Classified

5. Operational Use

Primary Mission	Strategic nuclear strike
Operators	United States
Notable Deployments / History	Cold War–present (reserve role)

6. Variants

Variants

No major public variants

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Stealth Capability 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Payload Capacity 8 / 10

B83 Thermonuclear Bomb – High-Yield Strategic Gravity Weapon

The B83 thermonuclear bomb remains one of the most powerful air-delivered weapons ever fielded by the United States. Developed during the final years of the Cold War, the bomb was designed to give U.S. strategic aircraft a flexible, high-yield option for deterrence missions and hardened-target strike requirements. Although newer systems and modernization priorities have reduced its prominence, the B83 continues to represent one of the last high-yield gravity bombs in the U.S. inventory.

Developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and introduced in the early 1980s, the B83 was engineered to replace aging multi-megaton-class nuclear systems with a more modern, safer, and more reliable design. It incorporates advanced safety mechanisms, including insensitive high explosives and modern security features, enabling safer handling and storage compared to earlier-generation weapons. The bomb is compatible with key U.S. strategic platforms, including the B-2 Spirit and historically the B-52H Stratofortress, giving U.S. forces flexible delivery options.

The B83 is believed to have a maximum yield of approximately 1.2 megatons—one of the highest in the U.S. arsenal. Its design allows for variable yield settings, enabling commanders to tailor the explosive output to mission requirements. The weapon can be configured for surface burst, airburst, or laydown delivery, increasing mission flexibility against deeply buried or hardened structures.

Although the U.S. has moved toward lower-yield, precision-guided nuclear capabilities, the B83 still fills a niche role in strategic planning. Its size and weight reflect older design philosophies, but its destructive potential and flexibility continue to make it relevant in specific deterrence scenarios.

B83 Thermonuclear Bomb Price

The B83 thermonuclear bomb is not commercially sold, and its production cost remains classified. However, historical U.S. nuclear weapons programs suggest individual unit costs likely fell within tens of millions of dollars when adjusted for modern value.

FAQs

Is the B83 still in active use?

The B83 remains in limited service and strategic reserve, though U.S. policy discussions indicate potential future retirement.

What aircraft can deliver the B83?

Currently, the B-2 Spirit is the primary delivery platform, with the B-52H having carried it historically.

Why does the U.S. retain such a high-yield weapon?

Its large yield provides capability against hardened, deeply buried, or strategic-level targets.

Is the exact yield of the B83 confirmed?

Public sources estimate up to 1.2 megatons, but official values remain classified.

Does the B83 have guidance systems?

No. Like most gravity bombs, it is unguided and relies on aircraft delivery accuracy.

Reviews

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